Citroen C5 2007 Pictures

Citroen C5 2007 Pictures High Res

 

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FRENCH KISS

Much like a tired, aging housewife needs an investment of passion to re-invent their look and bring out their charisma, so does the Citroen C5 and pow, what a result.

Ask Meg Ryan about French kisses; her on-screen husband was too easily tempted by the dazzlingly gorgeous femme fatale in Paris. Yet when Meg’s character revamped her appearance and developed some new rather complex and intriguing personality traits (learnt from a French man), her husband was like putty in her hands again.
Maybe, a similar scenario is true when choosing cars. You buy something you really love at the time but then a few years later the passion for it fizzles out because there is always something younger and more exciting to seduce you.

Now the original C5 was a sensible, practical family car that attracted its fair share of buyers. But with the automotive market changing so rapidly and new technology more in demand than Meg Ryan’s youthful looks, it was time to show the world just what potential the C5 really had.

Sure enough, that’s just what Citroen did and we were invited along to the launch so that we could test drive the new-look C5 and judge its appeal for ourselves. The picturesque countryside of the Cotswolds provided a peaceful escape from the hussel-bussel of London and we may have felt guilty polluting such unspoilt landscape had the C5 not been so environmentally conscious.

There are six engines available with the new C5 hatchback, we chose the 136bhp, 2.2HDi power plant that sports a particulate filter designed to virtually eliminate all trace of particle emissions. There are two other diesel engines to chose from, all of which deliver around 50miles to the gallon and in environmental terms are ‘green’ godesses. The raw power is also pretty handy for overtaking manoeuvres, the 2.0litre HDi has 138bhp on tap and the 1.6Litre HDi pumps 110bhp through its wheels. But if you want something even more powerful, their range-topping petrol power plant has been upgraded to a 210bhp 3.0litre V6 engine accompanied by a new six-speed automatic gearbox. Despite the C5 being big, the top of the range petrol engine is also rather nimble off the mark, sprinting from 0-62mph in a reputable 8.6 seconds. A shorter first gear and longer sixth gear have also improved fuel economy, emissions and road noise.
But don’t be thinking you’ll take a big cut in power if you opt for the 2.0litre 16V engine as is still efficient, the 0-62mph dash can be achieved in just over nine seconds, so you can zip out from the slip roads to motorways with less of an effort. The C5 really thrives on motorways, you will feel as snug as if you’re sitting on an armchair and the road noise is so minimal that the journey feels so much more relaxing. But just to ensure you aren’t too relaxed on long trips, the new C5 is available with a lane departure warning system. This is to prevent you from falling asleep and dangerously veering in to the other lanes. It is operated when you cross the lane markers and a vibration is sent to whichever butt cheek is nearest to the side you are veering across; clever stuff!
The 1.8i 16V petrol engine completes the line-up and with a top speed of 122mph and a 0-62mph time of just over 11 seconds, it will give you a good run for your money.

The safety and security of the C5 makes it very competitive in its class. Aside from the lane departure warning system, it also has a stronger structure with better re-enforcements, the option of a speed limiter, advanced functionalities for seatbelts, directional headlamps and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) which provides grip in a variety of conditions. The ESP also corrects stability by adjusting the engine or braking power and transferring this to one wheel or more, accordingly. In addition it can provide partial braking to keep the C5 stable around corners and it even dries the brake pads in wet conditions. The Anti-locking braking system (ABS) and Emergency braking assistance (EBA) also contributes to safety, and wait for it, there are no less than seven airbags; one of which is to protect the driver’s knees and shins. In terms of security, the C5 offers laminated side windows which provides extra protection should vandalism or theft be attempted. All models are also equipped with a perimetric and volumetric anti-theft alarm which I guess is a posh way of saying it covers the full shebang. The locking system is also very advanced and the new C5 has been awarded the maximum five stars by Thatcham – the motor Insurance repair research centre.
Still not satisfied? How does a few creature comforts sound, to make your life a lot easier? The new C5 now has front and rear parking sensors with audible and visual warnings. Automatic headlamps, rain-sensitive wipers, low tyre pressure warning and a multi-function trip computer are also available. In fact it seems to have everything except automatic pilot!

Ok, so the cabin offers good ergonomics, nifty gadgets and luxurious comfort but what’s it like from the outset? Well the new-look Citroen C5 may not be everyone’s cup of tea in terms of styling but the face-lift does give it a fresher, smoother appeal. The new aluminium bonnet is now more sculpted; the front grille more distinctive and the boomerang headlamps have a quirky charm. It also has a new chin spoiler with integrated fog lamps and a longer front. Its slightly lowered Hydroactive 3 suspension also contributes to its all-round road poise as well as given the driver a more pleasurable ride. The rear end however is where the C5 really excels, instead of a barrel-like tail-end, the new C5 has longer, softer dimensions and boomerang style lamp clusters.

These rump-lifts don’t just happen in Hollywood you know. J-Lo may have caused a stir for silicon induced buttocks but the automotive industry have been nipping and tucking for years. For Citroen however, image is only part of the allure, ok so the C5 will never have the same desire of a Ferrari but most of us would never be able to afford a Ferrari anyway. Yet we can probably afford the luxury that Citroen are offering. Forget having the poster up on your wall, people want something they can enjoy from day-to-day. It’s much like guys fantasising about French bombshell Brigitte Bardot, at the end of the day it’s just a fleeting desire. The real passion is with the ageing housewife who can still re-invent herself to re-kindle the magic. But will Citroen seduce the nation with its re-vamped C5? It’s on sale now starting from £14,795 so you may well be tempted to kiss goodbye to the sluggish old oil-burner in your driveway.

Verdict
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AGAINST:
CONCLUSION:

Spec
ENGINE: 2.2HDi 16V 173hp
Co2 (g/km)/tax: 160g/km
POWER: 173bhp @ 4000rpm
TORQUE (lb/ft): 273lb ft @ 1500rpm
0-62mph (sec): 9.3
TRANSMISSION: Six speed manual
SUSPENSION: Hydractive 3 with automatic ride height adjustment
BRAKES: Servo assisted hydraulic dual circuit brakes. Front and rear discs. ABS with EBD and Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA)
WHEELS: 16″ Suzuka alloy wheels
TYRES: 215/55 R16
WEIGHT: 1556kg
PRICE: £ 18035